The Polk County Health and Human Resources Agency and Polk County Emergency Management in conjunction with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources, are issuing a precautionary advisory pending a water quality investigation for the Cove Creek and Bradley Falls.

There has been a release of gasoline due to a tanker truck overturn on I-26 on July 13, 2023.

At this time, you may witness a petroleum smell in the air and might notice an oil sheen on the water.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) is currently investigating to determine the extent of the spill to mitigate the exposure to Cove Creek and those bodies of water connected to Cove Creek.

Residents and visitors to Green River area should be mindful of any petroleum smell or sheen and report that to Polk County Communications at 828-894-0187.

Until the water is tested and declared safe, environmental and public health officials recommend:

• Avoid swimming, wading or fishing in Cove Creek until further notice.
• Bradley Falls, currently closed until further notice due to potential fuel fumes and potential petroleum product moving downstream.
• Avoid skin contact with water, soil and sediment in or near the river.
• If skin comes in contact with contaminated sediment or water, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water.
  
  For further information please contact the Joshua Kennedy, Polk County Health and Human Services Agency at 828-894-2114 Ext. 228